Zak Pelaccio's Fish & Game Will Open Upstate Tonight

Months back, Fork reported that Zak Pelaccio, founding chef of Fatty Crab and Fatty 'Cue, and his wife, Jori Emde, were gearing up to open Fish & Game in Hudson, New York, where they'd secured a building that dates to the 19th century (a former blacksmith shop owned by partner Patrick Milling Smith). At that time, the pair was predicting a winter opening, a deadline they missed by a mile -- they also failed to beat the sluggish Williamsburg Fatty 'Cue renovation, which finished just over a month ago, allowing that place to reopen after more than a year.

But now, as New Yorkers begin to ponder summer weekend getaways, the wait for the new spot is over, and food-motivated travelers may want to factor Hudson into their plans: Fish & Game opens its doors tonight.

The team worked with architect Michael Davis, who preserved the original brickwork of the space during the build-out, installing a wood-burning oven and fireplace made from materials pulled from the walls during construction. The dining room will set the stage for a seasonally inspired menu culled from local ingredients that dabbles in global flavors, particularly the harmony of Southeast Asia, Italy and France for which Pelaccio is known. Emde is making condiments and spirits in-house, including Lady Jayne's Worcestershire (Emde's specialty brand), fish sauce, vermouth, vinegars and kimchis. Look for vegetables, too: Pelaccio tweeted earlier that he's offering a vegetarian menu, adding "dare I say I'm more turned on to vegetables right now than meat?"

The food pairs to craft beers and a list of cocktails made with a variety of special infusions -- like mezcal mixed with chili-infused aperol -- or drinkers can go for broke with a shot of bourbon and a Worcestershire back.

The new spot, located at 13 South 3rd Street, is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 p.m. until close.